Basic Woodworking

WOODWORKING

Chapter 23

Wood Staining

Introduction:

Though the natural beauty and color of wood is enough to distinguish any wood project, some choose to

color their projects with stain. Wood finishing stain is nothing more than colored dyes or pigments added to

oil-based mineral spirits or water, which can be purchased in a number of different shades.

As in every other stage of woodworking, staining requires patience and gentleness. In other words, don’t

rush and follow these important tips.

Important tips:

 Prep well: Glue marks and pencil marks simply “shout” their presence on wood after it has been stained.

Because the stain is not able to absorb into the areas where glue and marks remain, it will stand

out as one big ugly spot. Remove glue and marks before staining.

 Sand well: Because stain absorbs into wood pores, the better the sand job the better the finish. Why?

Because wood that is sanded well smoothes or diminishes the size of the pores in the wood,

which in turn allows for a more uniform color. Think of wood as a sponge. It will soak up your

stain. If pores have not been properly sanded, large open pores soak up the stain and a darker

color appears. You should end your sanding with at least a 220 grit sandpaper.

 Pre-test your stain: Not all wood is the same. Wood varieties will respond differently to color. Always test

your stain on a similar piece of wood before applying it. By doing so, you will determine if the

color is exactly what you want.

 Choose the right stain: Stain can be made from oil-based mineral spirits or water. The differences include:

OIL-BASED PRODUCTS.

• Give you a longer working time, enabling you to stain floors, cabinets, paneling,
  and doors without the worry of dried lap marks.


• Do not raise the grain, eliminating the need for additional sanding.


• Are applied with a natural bristle brush, while water-based products must be
  applied with a synthetic brush.
  WATER-BASED PRODUCTS.


• Are low odor.


• Dry faster, enabling you to stain and finish in one day.


• Require only soap and water for clean-up.


• Come in a wider range of vibrant stain colors.
   Choose the right method for application: Stain can be applied with a bristle brush, a foam brush,
  an aerosol can, or a cloth. On woods with large, open pores, such as oak, mahogany
  and ash, increase your pressure to work the stain into the pores. Rubbing or brushing
  against the direction of the grain will help fill deep pores with stain. Apply a liberal
  amount of stain, giving the wood an ample amount to absorb.
   Stir baby stir: Pigments and dyes settle to the bottom of the can. Be sure to always stir the
  product before using it. If you do not, the colors in the stain will not be properly mixed
  and a different color will appear.
   Timing: Pay attention to how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping off the excess.
  The longer the stain is left on, the deeper and richer the color will be. For consistent
  color, use careful timing. Never allow any excess stain to dry on wood surface—it will
  cause all sorts of difficult issues.
   Wipe off: Remove the last of any unabsorbed stain with a dry cloth. Wipe only in the direction of
  the grain. Swirl marks left by a stain-saturated cloth will become even more obvious
  under a coat of clear finish.
   Second coat warning: Applying a second coat will darken the color.

Clean up:

 Know what works: Water and soap will not clean oil based stains. Use mineral spirits or paint thinner to

clean stain brushes. DO NOT CLEAN STAIN BRUSHES IN THE SINK!

 Clean immediately: As soon as you are finished using a brush, clean it in mineral spirits and place it on the

brush rack. When oil-based stains dry on a brush, the brush is ruined and must be thrown away.

Finishing